Adapting to Remote Library Services during COVID-19

Med Ref Serv Q. 2021 Jan-Mar;40(1):35-47. doi: 10.1080/02763869.2021.1873616.

Abstract

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent Stay At Home order, the Southern Illinois University Medical Library utilized new technologies and implemented new virtual service models in order to improve internal communication, and to continue providing services and resources to patrons remotely. The changes happened quickly, and the librarians faced several challenges during this time, but things went smoothly overall and there were some considerable silver linings. Several of the newly adopted technologies, service models, and virtual resource offerings proved to be extremely effective and their use will continue beyond the duration of the pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; interlibrary loan; reference services; virtual services.

MeSH terms

  • Academic Medical Centers / organization & administration*
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Illinois
  • Information Dissemination / methods*
  • Libraries, Digital / organization & administration*
  • Libraries, Digital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Libraries, Medical / organization & administration*
  • Libraries, Medical / statistics & numerical data*